The Hush Treasure Book and exhibition

This travelling exhibition designed by Books Illustrated showcases the original art for The Hush Treasure Book, created by 20 of Australia's best-loved illustrators. You'll see preliminary sketches and developmental work, as well as the final published art in all its forms, bringing to life this treasure trove of stories, poems and pictures by Australia's favourite storytellers. Scroll to the end of this post for an exciting IBBY Australia art auction with pieces by some of these famous names!

The authors and illustrators in The Hush Treasure Book and exhibition include – Nick Bland, Karen Briggs, Kevin Burgemeestre, Michael Camilleri, Jackie French, Jane Goodwin, Bob Graham, Jacqui Grantford, Mark Greenwood, Ann James, Danny Katz, Frane Lessac, Alison Lester, Chris McKimmie, Doug McLeod, Glenda Millard, Stephen Michael King, Tohby Riddle, Victoria Rohan, Judith Rossell, Paul Seden, Craig Smith, Shaun Tan, Jane Tanner, Karen Tayleur, Mitch Vane, Julie Vivas, Anna Walker, Bruce Whatley, Margaret Wild.

If you subscribe to The Story Box Library you will enjoy hearing and seeing several stories and poems from this anthology. 

Entries vary from very short to moderately long, from the heart-achingly emotive to the fun, fast and fantabulous. Illustrations are also varied in style and type, making this a true feast of endless surprises as pages are flicked. The book includes a bonus CD featuring a special compilation of Hush music compositions. Kids' Book Review

This is a book that will be adored by families, should have wide use in schools, and is perfect for anyone who appreciates the amazing range of talent we have in Australian children’s books. Readings

I first heard Dr Catherine Crock, a pediatrician at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne talk about her project of music to help children in hospital back in 2018 at a talk at our Sydney City Recital Hall as a part of their series This Sounds like Science. 

Read more about The Hush Foundation here. They have many CDs with music played by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. You can buy the book from 2015 on their website too. I think this book might already be in many school libraries - I remember seeing it in my former school library. 

Now to talk about the book. This is a splendid anthology for all ages. There are several very special poems, a story with no words, a brilliant ghost story and a magical ride on a seahorse.

The book opens with a poem by Jane Godwin illustrated by Anna Walker.  Here is a tiny extract:

"Let us go then, take my hand,
Let's run down the track and onto the sand.
Let's crawl through the tunnel, let's cross the sea,
We'll go together, you and me."

The story The Best horse of all features a carousel ride and a magical seahorse. The story is by Margaret Wild illustrated by Julie Vivas.

Dot the Tot is a lively little girl who cannot sit still.  Ann James perfectly captures her bounce and energy.

Bob Graham has written a gentle and poignant poem about a man and his old dog. 

The ghost story by Jackie French will give you shivers - it would be a perfect story to read aloud to a group of children in your class or library aged 9+.

Here is an extract from the poem by Glenda Millard (you know I love her language skills):

"I am the falling star

you are the wishful hands

catch me."

I do love anthologies - they are perfect for casual teachers, classrooms, libraries and also for families. My most favourite story and poetry anthology from here in Australia (sadly long out of print) is this one - it is the same book with two different covers:

If you love Australian children's picture book illustrators save the date - IBBY Australia are holding a mini masterpiece art auction and many of the famous names in The Hush Treasure Book have pieces in our auction including Ann James, Bob Graham, and Frane Lessac.